HAN University of Applied Sciences, one of the Netherlands’ most respected and top-ranked institutions for practical, career-oriented education, has officially opened its 2025 International Scholarship Program. This exciting opportunity is available to ambitious and high-achieving students from around the world who wish to pursue fully funded undergraduate or master’s degrees in some of today’s most sought-after and high-impact fields.
Located in the vibrant cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen, HAN is known for its strong industry connections, hands-on teaching methods, and an inclusive international student community. The HAN Scholarships 2025 aim to attract talented individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a passion for innovation, leadership, and global impact. These scholarships cover full tuition fees and monthly living allowances, significantly reducing the financial burden and making high-quality European education more accessible to international students. This fully funded opportunity covers tuition and living expenses for both undergraduate and master’s degrees in high-demand fields like:
✅ Engineering & Technology
✅ Business & Economics
✅ Life Sciences & Healthcare
✅ Data Science & AI
In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover:
- Two scholarship types (Bachelor’s vs Master’s funding)
- Step-by-step application walkthrough
- Eligibility requirements (Who qualifies?)
- Document checklist (Motivation letters, video requirements)
- Deadlines & timeline
- Life as international student in Netherlands
- Post-study work visa options
Why HAN University?
- Practical, industry-focused education (90% employment rate after graduation)
- €2,500-€7,500 annual scholarship awards
- English-taught programs (No Dutch required)
- EU work opportunities (Part-time jobs + post-study visa)
1. Scholarship Benefits: What’s Covered?
Financial Support Breakdown
| Scholarship | Amount | Duration | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAN NL Scholarship (Bachelor’s) | €2,500/semester | 4 years | Maintain 45 ECTS credits/year |
| Honors Scholarship (Master’s) | €2,500/year | 2 years | Minimum 7.0 GPA |
Additional Perks:
- Tuition fee reduction (Up to 50% for top applicants)
- Free Dutch language courses
- Career support services (Internship placements)
2. Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Academic Requirements
| Program | Qualification | Language Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | High school diploma | IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 |
| Master’s | Relevant Bachelor’s degree | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 |
Critical Restrictions
- Non-EU/EEA nationals only
- No prior Dutch degrees
- Must first secure program admission
Pro Tip: Some programs accept Duolingo English Test (110+) if IELTS/TOEFL unavailable.
3. Available Degree Programs
Top Bachelor’s Programs
- Molecular Biosciences
- Medical Engineering
- International Business
- Embedded Systems Engineering
Popular Master’s Programs
- Applied Data Science
- Circular Economy
- Cyber-Physical Systems
Full list: HAN University Programs
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
Key Deadlines
- Program Application Opens: October 2024
- Scholarship Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Results Announcement: June 2025
How to Apply
- Apply for Admission
- Submit via Studielink
- Pay €100 application fee (non-refundable)
- Prepare Scholarship Documents
- Motivation letter (500-800 words)
- 2 Recommendation letters
- 3-minute video presentation
- CV/Resume (Max 2 pages)
- Submit Scholarship Application
Warning: Applications missing the video requirement are automatically rejected.
5. Crafting a Winning Application
Video Presentation Guide
- Length: 2-3 minutes (Max 50MB)
- Content:
» Your academic background
» Career goals
» Why HAN University?
» How you’ll contribute to campus life
Technical Tips:
- Use clear English (No background noise)
- Dress professionally (Business casual)
- Show personality (Be authentic)
Motivation Letter Template
- Introduction
“My passion for biomedical engineering began when…” - Academic Preparation
- Relevant coursework/projects
- Why HAN?
- Mention specific labs/professors
- Future Plans
- How degree aligns with career goals
6. Life as International Student in Netherlands
Cost of Living (Monthly)
| Expense | Arnhem/Nijmegen | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €400-€600 | €800-€1,200 |
| Food | €250 | €300 |
| Transport | €35 (Bike + occasional train) | €50 |
Budget Tip: Apply for housing through SSH (Student housing foundation).
Student Perks
- Work Rights: 16 hrs/week during studies
- 30% Tax Ruling (For post-grad jobs)
- Free Museum Days (With student ID)
7. Post-Study Opportunities
Orientation Year Visa
- 1-year job search visa after graduation
- Convert to work permit if employed
Top Employers Hiring HAN Graduates
✔ Philips ✔ ASML ✔ Unilever ✔ ING Bank
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing dual deadlines (Program + scholarship)
- Generic motivation letters (Not HAN-specific)
- Poor video quality (Test equipment beforehand)
- Last-minute submissions (Portal crashes happen)
9. Alternative Dutch Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000 one-time)
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (Country-specific)
- Erasmus Mundus (Fully funded EU programs)
10. Student Life at HAN University: What to Expect
Campus Culture & International Community
HAN University’s Arnhem and Nijmegen campuses are known for their cosmopolitan environment, with students from 100+ countries. Key highlights:
- Buddy Programs: Pair with Dutch students for cultural exchange.
- Student Associations: Join groups like:
- HAN International Society (Social events, city tours)
- Tech Clubs (Robotics, AI, and coding competitions)
- Affordable Living: Nijmegen (HAN’s main city) ranks 20% cheaper than Amsterdam for students.
Pro Tip: Attend the “Introduction Week” (August/January) to make friends and learn Dutch survival phrases!
Food & Budgeting Tips
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| University Canteen | €5-€7/meal | Quick lunches |
| Cooking at Home | €30/week | Healthy savings |
| FEBO Vending Machines | €3-€5/snack | Late-night cravings |
Local Insight: Shop at Lidl or Aldi for groceries—50% cheaper than Albert Heijn.
11. Strengthening Your Scholarship Application
Boosting Your Academic Profile
- Highlight Relevant Projects
- Example: “Designed a Python-based data model for my high school capstone (GitHub link included).”
- Supplemental Certifications (Free options):
- Coursera (Google Data Analytics, IBM AI Fundamentals)
- edX (MIT Engineering Basics)
Perfecting Your Video Presentation
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Reading from a script (Sounds robotic)
- Over-editing (Keep it natural)
- Ignoring lighting (Face a window for soft light)
Script Outline:
- Introduction (Name, country, program)
“Hi, I’m Maria from Colombia, applying for Medical Engineering.” - Passion & Preparation
“My internship at Hospital San Juan exposed me to MRI tech gaps…” - Why HAN?
“HAN’s Medical Robotics Lab aligns with my goal to…” - Closing
“I’d love to contribute to HAN’s international community!”
FAQs
Q: Can EU students apply?
A: No, the scholarship is available only to non-EU/EEA nationals. EU/EEA students pay lower tuition fees and are not eligible for this specific scholarship.
Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: Yes, it is renewable each academic year, provided you maintain at least 45 ECTS credits per year and demonstrate continued academic progress.
Q: What’s the acceptance rate?
A: The acceptance rate is around 15–20%, making it a highly competitive scholarship. Academic excellence, motivation, and international potential are key selection criteria.
Q: Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
A: Yes, after applying for admission to HAN, you must submit a separate scholarship application, including a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and references.
Q: Can I work part-time while studying?
A: Yes, international students are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays, provided they have a valid residence permit and work authorization.
Q: Is IELTS required?
A: Yes, most programs require proof of English proficiency. IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 90 iBT) scores are accepted. In some cases, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter may be considered.
Q: Can I apply if I’m already studying in the Netherlands?
A: No, only students who are new to HAN and applying for the first year of a full degree program are eligible for this scholarship.
Q: What expenses are covered?
A: The scholarship typically covers full or partial tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend to help with living expenses.
Q: What study areas are supported?
A: Eligible fields include Engineering, Life Sciences, Business, IT, Logistics, and Health Sciences—programs aligned with HAN’s applied learning model and industry needs.
About 15-20% for scholarships (Highly competitive).
Final Checklist
✅ Program admission secured
✅ All documents prepared (Including video)
✅ Application submitted before April 1, 2025
Start Your Application:
HAN University Official Site
